Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the early detection of life-threatening conditions of persons, wherein such risks exist, for example, due to a preceding operation. The system detects a plurality of vital parameters depending on the person to be monitored by means of a detector unit that is subsequently evaluated by an evaluation logic using a neuronal network. Individual parameters that exceed thresholds and constellations of parameters that represent a critical health condition of the person are displayed in different forms by means of a display device, depending on the risk. Said risk is determined in that the probability of the presence of a health anomaly is first determined and then evaluated.

Abstract: A sensor system is used for measuring, transmitting, processing and displaying a brain parameter. The sensor system has an implantable brain parameter sensor with a wireless transmission unit for measuring the brain parameter. A receiving unit with an antenna is in wireless signal connection with the latter. A data read module is in signal connection with the antenna and a data processing and display device is in turn in signal connection with the data read module. The sensor system also has a head cap or a head hood, on which the receiving unit is fixed to predetermine a relative position relative to the transmitting unit. A sensor system is the result, the use of which remains comfortable for the patient even over a relatively long measuring period. A method for transmission of measurement data measured with the brain parameter sensor to the external data read module is also provided.

Abstract: A pressure detection assembly (100) adapted for use with a continuous flow endoscope (200) provided with a rinse inlet lumen (234) connected to a rinse inlet port (254) said assembly (100) comprising: (i) an elongated member (10) having a proximal (20) and distal (30) end, (ii) a pressure detecting body (50) at the distal (30) end of the elongated member (10), configured to provide an indication of ambient pressure, (iii) a coupling (40) disposed over the elongated member (10), configured for dismountable attachment to the proximal rinse inlet port (254) of the endoscope (200), (iv) said elongated member (10) configured to conduct the indication of ambient pressure to its proximal (20) end, (v) said elongated member (10) further configured for advancement through the rinse inlet lumen (234), and (vi) said fluidic coupling (40) further configured to isolate fluidicly the proximal (20) tip of the elongated member (10) from the rinse inlet port (254) of the endoscope (200).

Abstract: A manometer for measuring a differential pressure within a patient's disc includes a housing attachable to a device that is in fluid communication with the patient's disc, a pressure transducer within the housing for measuring a pressure in the patient's disc, a memory within the manometer for saving a pressure measured by the transducer, an input device on the housing for receiving input from a user to save an initial pressure measured by the transducer in the memory, and a display on the housing. The display provides an indication of an initial pressure in the patient's disc measured by the transducer before the user provides input via the input device and an indication of a differential pressure between a subsequent pressure and the initial pressure in the patient's disc after the user provides input via the input device. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of measuring blood pressure and velocity proximally and distally of a stenosis in a vessel carrying blood includes the steps of providing a guide wire having both a pressure sensor and a velocity sensor disposed on a distal region of the guide wire, introducing the guide wire into the vessel, advancing the guide wire to position the pressure sensor and the velocity sensor proximally and distally of the stenosis, and measuring the blood pressure and velocity proximally and distally of the stenosis with the pressure sensor and the velocity sensor.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for measuring the dynamics of pulmonary congestion in heart failure subjects over time to monitor the subjects susceptibility to pulmonary edema, including sensing and receiving information indicative of a bodily pressure and information indicative of pulmonary fluid, and using the transient responses of these measurements to compute parameters related to the dynamics of thoracic fluid accumulation, such as a critical pressure (Pc), a critical time (Tc), or a filtration index (Kfi).

Abstract: Non-invasive intracranial pressure detection and/or monitoring and use of data with respect thereto. Illustratively, with respect to a method, there can be a method to digitally produce and communicate intracranial pressure data from skull deformation electric signals, the method including: receiving, from at least one sensor, detected skull deformation electric signals at electrical equipment configured to transform and process the skull deformation signals that are received; transforming and processing, by the electrical equipment, the received skull deformation electric signals to produce digital intracranial pressure data; and outputting, by the electrical equipment, the digital intracranial pressure data via an output device operably associated with the electrical equipment to render the digital intracranial pressure data.

Abstract: A measurement system may comprise a sensor wire and a transceiver unit. The sensor wire may comprise an insertable portion configured to be inserted in a blood vessel of a patient's body and a sensor disposed within the insertable portion at a distal end of the sensor wire. The sensor is configured to measure a parameter when inserted inside the patient. The transceiver unit may comprise: a housing adapted to be connected to a proximal end of the sensor wire; and a first communication module within the housing adapted to wirelessly communicate by a communication signal with an external second communication module in order to transfer information to the external second communication module.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a standardized pressure value representing a transient pressure event within a region of interest within a living body. An air-charged catheter is configured to record pressure data representing the region of interest. A measurement assembly includes a parameter calculation component configured to calculate at least a peak pressure representing the transient pressure event and a time to peak pressure, representing the time necessary to reach the peak pressure, from the recorded pressure data. A standardization component is configured to calculate the standardized pressure value as a function of the peak pressure and the time to peak pressure. A user interface is configured to display at least the standardized pressure value at an associated display.

Abstract: An ACS therapy system for continuously monitoring Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP) and preventing the onset of ACS. The automated ACS therapy system includes a urine withdrawal device, an IAP regulation circuit, an IAP monitor connected to the urine withdrawal device to supply an IAP value to the IAP regulation circuit, and an abdominal fluid removal device. The abdominal fluid removal device may be connected to an active suction device, which withdraws fluid from the abdominal cavity through the abdominal fluid removal device when activated by the IAP regulation circuit. Based on the IAP value, the IAP regulation circuit may send a control signal that controls the active suction device to turn on and drain fluid from the abdominal cavity. When the IAP value reaches certain levels, the IAP regulation circuit may cause the active suction device to be turned off.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. A major aspect of the invention relates to a method for determining relationships between different pressure-related signals with the purpose of obtaining signals predicting pressures inside a body or body cavity from pressure signals outside said body or body cavity. According to the invented method different formula-based relationships for specific types of signals and locations and sensor types are determined, which provides for a reference that can be applied on new and individual non-invasive pressure measurements. Thereby continuous pressure-related signals from a non-invasive source may be processed in a way that makes the continuous non-invasive pressure signals highly predictable of the pressures inside the body or body cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein provide apparatus and methods for imaging-assisted determination of pressure gradient of blood flow across a valve orifice in a cardiovascular circuit without the use of velocity data measured at the valve orifice. An embodiment of the methods comprise creating an image of a valve orifice, creating a planimeter slice from the image of the valve orifice including a trace of the perimeter of the valve orifice, determining the valve orifice area by determining the area contained within the trace, determining the instantaneous flow rate through the valve orifice based on bulk flow data away from the valve, and determining the instantaneous pressure gradient across the valve orifice from the valve orifice area and the instantaneous flow rate.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate. If the flow rate drops to zero or close to zero, this indicates that the uterine cavity is intact and not perforated. If the flow rate does not drop to zero or close to zero, this indicates that a fluid flow is leaking through a perforation in the uterine cavity into the uterine cavity or escaping around an occlusion balloon that occludes the cervical canal.

Abstract: The pleural pressure indicator is a diagnostic device for use in the field where more sophisticated electronics are not permissible, though early detection of pneumothoraces relative to penetrating chest trauma is paramount to survival. When the device is used with the placement of a needle thoracentesis, it serves the user by indicating flow to and from the chest cavity. This indication is supportive of the user's diagnosis of the patients' respiratory condition. When a patient is suffering from a tension pneumothorax, positive air flow will be indicated by the device. The user can switch the check valve in the device flow path to manage intrathoracic pressure relief, therapeutically reducing the tension pneumothorax, increasing survivability. The pleural pressure indicator is a compact, portable, handheld device that is simple to operate, compatible with needles, catheters, and syringes and simple to read for a quick indication of a patient's condition.

Abstract: The methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein generally involve convection-enhanced delivery of drugs to a target region within a patient. Microfluidic catheter devices are disclosed that are particularly suitable for targeted delivery of drugs via convection, including devices capable of multi-directional drug delivery, devices that control fluid pressure and velocity using the venturi effect, and devices that include conformable balloons. Methods of treating various diseases using such devices are also disclosed, including methods of treating cerebral and spinal cavernous malformations, cavernomas, and hemangiomas, methods of treating neurological diseases, methods of treatment using multiple microfluidic delivery devices, methods of treating hearing disorders, methods of spinal drug delivery using microfluidic devices, and methods of delivering stem cells and therapeutics during fetal surgery. Methods of manufacturing such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating pain resulting from osteoarthritis, and associated devices and instruments for such pain treatment are disclosed. These methods aim to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint, by biochemically diagnosing microenvironmental abnormalities in the subchondral bone, and subsequently treating the subchondral bone to prevent, or delay the onset or progression of, or otherwise treat, osteoarthritis as well as any bone marrow edema or lesion.

Abstract: The methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein generally involve convection-enhanced delivery of drugs to a target region within a patient. Microfluidic catheter devices are disclosed that are particularly suitable for targeted delivery of drugs via convection, including devices capable of multi-directional drug delivery, devices that control fluid pressure and velocity using the venturi effect, and devices that include conformable balloons. Methods of treating various diseases using such devices are also disclosed, including methods of treating cerebral and spinal cavernous malformations, cavernomas, and hemangiomas, methods of treating neurological diseases, methods of treatment using multiple microfluidic delivery devices, methods of treating hearing disorders, methods of spinal drug delivery using microfluidic devices, and methods of delivering stem cells and therapeutics during fetal surgery. Methods of manufacturing such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and an external processing module, optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the sensor module transduces the measured pressure and a near infrared emitter transmits the telemetry when interrogated by the external coupling module. A set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field generated within the external coupling module.

Abstract: A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and an external processing module, optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the sensor module transduces the measured pressure and a near infrared emitter transmits the telemetry when interrogated by the external coupling module. A set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field generated within the external coupling module.

Abstract: A balloon including: a pressure-receiving portion formed of an elastic material and forming an enclosed space; and a tubular portion formed integrally therewith. The balloon is configured to detect the air pressure in the pressure-receiving portion due to communication with a pressure detector through an opening end of the tubular portion. A transverse cross-section of the pressure-receiving portion orthogonal to the axial direction of the tubular portion has a flattened outer circumferential shape with an oblateness f=(A?B)/A, where A represents the length of a major axis of the outer circumferential shape and B represents the length of a minor axis thereof, being set to a range of 0.1?f?0.7 at a position at which the length A is at a maximum. The air pressure can be changed significantly and stably, and the precision of the pressure measurement can be increased.

Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods described herein provide for the estimation and monitoring of cerebrovascular system properties and intracranial pressure (ICP) from one or more measurements or measured signals. These measured signals may include central or peripheral arterial blood pressure (ABP), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) or cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). The measured signals may be acquired noninvasively or minimally-invasively. The measured signals may be used to estimate parameters and variables of a computational model that is representative of the physiological relationships among the cerebral flows and pressures. The computational model may include at least one resistive element, at least one compliance element, and a representation of ICP.

Abstract: A system and method in at least one embodiment includes a pressure monitor, mouthpiece and tubing connecting the pressure monitor and mouthpiece that measures coughed air to monitor Valsalva lung pressure in order to measure the abdominal pressure surrounding the bladder. The system and method provides a non-invasive and convenient system and method for determining an abdominal Leak Point Pressure that utilizes a mouthpiece connected to a pressure monitor in order to measure the lung pressure of an individual such that the abdominal pressure surrounding the bladder is determined.

Abstract: Disclosed are hypertension systems and related methods that include a blood pressure sensor located or implanted under the skin of a patient, and electronics, which may have the size and shape of a wrist watch, for example, that monitors the blood pressure of the patient by communicating with the implanted sensor.

Abstract: An air management system is described for removing and reintroducing a desired amount of air into an air passage of a pressure measurement catheter. More specifically, the system includes a cylindrical housing, check valves in communication with the housing and an moveable shaft with multiple sealing members along its length. As the shaft is moved within the housing, a piston member causes the residual air in the catheter air passage to be evacuated to a defined negative pressure. Further movement of the shaft causes a piston member to inject a predetermined volume of air into the catheter air passage. In this respect, periodic adjustments of the piston member returns the volume of air in a variable volume chamber to one that is unaffected by residual volume in the chamber and that provides an optimum volume of air to maximize the time the sensor can function accurately between recharging events.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a sensing unit configured to predict a release of urine using one or more prediction parameters, detect an actual release of urine and adapt at least one of the one or more prediction parameters based on the actual release of urine to increase prediction accuracy.

Abstract: A non-invasive intracranial pressure monitor includes an annular flexible headband member comprising a crossing arcuate rail member and a hook and loop fastener having a fastener portion at one end of the headband member and a cooperating fastener portion at the other end of the headband member; and a monitoring assembly comprising an inverted T-shaped, hollow seat slidably mounted on the rail member, a fastener driven through two ends of the seat for retaining the seat on the rail member, a receptacle extending downward from the seat opposing the fastener, a biasing member disposed in the receptacle, and a microsensor having one end secured to the biasing member and the other end moveably projecting out of the receptacle.

Abstract: An electronic catheter stethoscope measures and analyzes acoustic fields and dynamic pressure variations in the gaseous or liquid fluid inside a conventional medical catheter that is positioned in a patient's urologic, digestive, reproductive, cardiovascular, neurological or pulmonary system. Measurement transducers are installed in a housing connectable to multiple preselected medical catheters. The transducers detect bodily functions that are transmitted to the preselected catheter from within the body. The transducers, housing, electrical interface and signal processing electronics are positioned outside the body.

Abstract: A uterine cavity length measuring device includes a first elongate member including a lumen and a plurality of apertures extending between the lumen and an exterior surface of the first elongate member, and a second elongate member including a lumen, and at least one aperture located at a distal end extending from the lumen of the second elongate member to an exterior surface, where the second elongate member is positioned within and is configured to move within the lumen of the first elongate member and where the first elongate member and second elongate member provide a fluid path from a proximal end of the lumen in the second elongate member, through the lumen in the second elongate member to the at least one aperture located at the distal end of the second elongate member and to at least one of the plurality of apertures in the first elongate member.

Abstract: An anchor for an implantable sensing device, a sensor unit formed by the anchor and sensing device, and a surgical procedure for implanting the sensor unit for monitoring a physiological parameter within a cavity of a living body, such as an intracranial physiological property. The anchor includes a shank portion and a head portion. The shank portion defines a distal end of the anchor and has a bore defining an opening at the distal end. The head portion defines a proximal end of the anchor and has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the shank portion. The sensor unit comprises the anchor and the sensing device placed and secured within the bore of the anchor so that a sensing element of the sensing device is exposed for sensing the physiological parameter within the cavity.

Abstract: A tool and method of positioning and delivering medical devices and therapeutics within the pericardial space, as well as other body part or space. A needle is inserted into the chest through a sub-xiphoid puncture, and the pressure within the needle is monitored manometrically or otherwise sensed as the needle is advanced towards the pericardial space. By reading the pressure within the needle while it is advanced, the clinician is able to know that he or she is avoiding insertion of it into organs or spaces not intended to be the target location. In addition the retractable sharp edge allows the operator to access the space and cut tissue but do so safely by retracting the sharp edge.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. Additionally, the valve can be implemented with a diaphragm or with a flapper.

Abstract: A device for dissecting and/or harvesting a vessel includes an integrally adjustable insufflation device to supply an insufflation fluid to a subcutaneous area within a patient. The integrally adjustable insufflation device includes one or more one fluid control mechanisms to regulate the pressure rate and/or flow rate of the insufflation fluid being supplied to the subcutaneous area from within a sterile field surrounding the subcutaneous area.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, kits and methods for measuring intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) from a patient catheterized with a urinary catheter system. Devices may include a bypass lumen configured to connect to a pressure transducer, a sampling port connector connected to the bypass lumen, a drain tube housing configured to at least partially enclose a portion of the drain tube of a urinary catheter system, and a clamp mechanism. The sampling port connector may be configured for removable attachment to the sampling port of the urinary catheter system to form a fluid connection between the urinary catheter system and the bypass lumen of the IAP device. The clamp mechanism may be configured to controllably occlude the lumen of the urinary catheter system drain tube.

Abstract: A sensor system is used for measuring, transmitting, processing and displaying a brain parameter. The sensor system has at least one implantable brain parameter sensor with a wireless transmission unit for measuring the brain parameter. At least one receiving unit with an antenna is in wireless signal connection with the latter. At least one data read module is in signal connection with the antenna and a data processing and display device is in turn in signal connection with said data read module. The sensor system also has a head cap or a head hood, on which the receiving unit is fixed to predetermine a relative position relative to the transmitting unit. A sensor system is the result, the use of which remains comfortable for the patient even over a relatively long measuring period.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for detecting and quantifying pressure and pressure changes within a system are provided. In one aspect, a pressure sensing device is provided that includes a sensing tube having an interior volume and at least one wall, the wall being configured to deform in response to an external pressure that is greater than an external pressure threshold. The at least one wall is further configured to deform as a function of the external pressure. The device may also include a transducer operably coupled to the sensing tube, the transducer being configured to detect changes in the interior volume as a result of deformation of the at least one wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining fallopian tube occlusion are disclosed which may provide and more convenient manner of determining fallopian tube occlusion, particularly in relation to transcervical hysteroscopic sterilization with implantable inserts. In accordance with some embodiments, uterine pressure may be measured to determine occlusion with a fluid delivery system including a reservoir and a pressure monitoring device to measure a fluid pressure downstream from the reservoir.

Abstract: Methods to size a gastric pouch. In at least one embodiment for measuring the size of a gastric pouch of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of introducing a catheter into an esophagus, the catheter comprising an outer elongate tube, an inner elongate tube disposed within the outer elongate tube, a proximal balloon attached to the outer elongate tube, a distal balloon having a first end attached to the outer elongate tube and a second end attached to the inner elongate tube, at least two detection electrodes positioned on the outer elongate tube between at least two excitation electrodes, and a pressure transducer positioned on the outer elongate tube, locating the gastroesophageal junction using the proximal balloon, adjusting the distal balloon axially to a desired balloon length, injecting a fluid into the distal balloon to extend the distal balloon circumferentially, and determining a size variable of the gastric pouch.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for connecting to a detector is provided. The pressure sensor comprises: an optical fibre, having a distal end with a distal plane for sensing pressure, a proximal end for communicating with a patch cord, and an In-fibre Bragg grating (FBG) therebetween; a housing, having a distal aperture, a proximal aperture and a bore therebetween, and sized to accept the optical fibre; an annular ring, forming a flexible seal between said optical fibre and housing at least distal to the FBG and a holder for retaining the housing. The FBG is housed in the housing such that in use, axial strain is transferred to said In-fibre Bragg grating housed within said housing by pressure exerted on the distal plane.

Abstract: The inventive endoscopy system includes a cannula for arranging an endoscope and forming, between said cannula and endoscope, an irrigation or aspiration channel for transporting an irrigation or aspiration fluid, respectively, a connection ring mounted around the cannula and provided with a connection channel connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and a connector which is mounted on the connection ring and includes a transport channel with the connection channel and a first pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the transport channel. The connection ring is provided with a bypass circuit connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and the connector including a dead channel connectable to the bypass circuit and a second pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the dead channel.

Abstract: A device and method are presented for use in non-invasive measurement of a patient's intra-ocular pressure (IOP). The device comprises a probe unit comprising a flexible membrane which is to be brought into contact with a patient's eyelid thereby enabling a contacting region of the membrane to match a shape of the eyelid defined by the shape of the patient's cornea. The device is configured to enable controllably varying application of force to the membrane against the eyelid and to enable illumination of the membrane at least within the contacting region thereof, the deformation of the illuminated membrane affecting detected light returned from the membrane, thereby enabling identification of a condition of applanation of a desired area of the membrane by identifying desired data indicative of the detected light and allowing the IOP measurement upon identifying said condition.

Abstract: A tensiometer is an elastic conductor which comprises a mixture of an elastomer and carbon nanotubes. The tensiometer has a reproducible conductivity in order to measure and change in shape and tension of an object to which it is applied. The tensiometer is non-toxic and may be implanted into a human body.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring cerebral compliance of a patient by placing a first pressure sensor in a first sub-dural location, preferably a sub-meningeal location, within the brain of the patient and placing at least a second pressure sensor in a second sub-dural location, preferably a sub-meningeal location, within the brain which is different from the first location. At least one parameter from each of the signals derived from the pressure sensors is compared to estimate cerebral compliance for the patient. Alternatively, at least a single pressure sensor is utilized with a generator of reference signals having at least two different frequencies. Preferably, any change in cerebral compliance is detected by determining a change in the compared parameter, and a perceptible indication is generated when cerebral compliance deviates beyond a pre-selected value.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. Different aspects of the invention relate to a method for optimal differentiating between cardiac beat- and artifact-induced pressure waves, a method for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals, a method for obtaining signals predicting pressures inside a body or body cavity from pressure signals outside said body or body cavity. In particular, this invention describes devices for sensing continuous pressures signals and displaying otput of processing according to the inventive methods.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for optimizing the performance and minimizing complications related to implanted sensors, such as pressure sensors, for the purposes of detecting, diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease in a medical patient. Systems and methods for anchoring implanted sensors to various body structures are also provided.

Abstract: An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example.

Abstract: A tool and method of positioning and delivering medical devices and therapeutics within the pericardial space, as well as other body part or space. A needle is inserted into the chest through a sub-xiphoid puncture, and the pressure within the needle is monitored manometrically or otherwise sensed as the needle is advanced towards the pericardial space. By reading the pressure within the needle while it is advanced, the clinician is able to know that he or she is avoiding insertion of it into organs or spaces not intended to be the target location. In addition the retractable sharp edge allows the operator to access the space and cut tissue but do so safely by retracting the sharp edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessment of hemodynamic and functional state of the brain is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus includes non-invasive measurement of intracranial pressure, assessment of the brain's electrical activity, and measurement of cerebral blood flow. In some embodiments, the method and apparatus include measuring the volume change in the intracranial vessels with a near-infrared spectroscopy or other optical method, measuring the volume change in the intracranial vessels with rheoencephalography or other electrical method, and measuring the brain's electrical activity using electroencephalography.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved combination sensor tip that includes an ultrasound transducer and a pressure sensor both disposed at or in close proximity to the distal end of the combination sensor tip. The present invention also provides for an improved connector to couple a guide wire to a physiology monitor that reduces torsional resistance when maneuvering the guide wire.

Abstract: The proposed invention is a method and system for the segmentation of dual-axis accelerometry signals for the purposed of identifying problematic swallowing events. The method and system employ a sensor, a data collection means including an algorithm for the analysis of the data. The proposed invention considers the stochastic properties of swallowing signals in both directions, A-P and S-I to extract events associated with swallowing. A segmentation algorithm may be applied to the signals to establish the time duration of swallows and swallows may be classified with respect to gender, body mass index, age or types of swallow.

Abstract: A pressure measuring System (11, 111, 211) is described comprising a sensor assembly (13, 113, 213) and a vessel adapter (17, 217), with the sensor assembly defining a compartment (19, 119, 219, 220), comprising a measurement port (29, 129, 229, 230), an actuator (21, 121, 221, 222) for enabling and disabling pressure transmission across the measurement port, and at least one pressure sensor (23, 123, 223, 224, 225) for measuring a pressure in the compartment relative to a reference pressure, and the vessel adapter defining a fluid chamber (47, 247, 248), said chamber being in pressure connection with the compartment by means of said measurement port, and characterized in that in-between the compartment and the fluid chamber at least one membrane (15, 215) is located which separates the medium in the compartment from the medium in the fluid chamber. The pressure measuring System is used to measure the pressure of a medium in a vessel adapter relative to a reference pressure.